Speech Pathology

The Speech Pathology Service provides an inpatient and outpatient service to assist with the assessment and management of communication disorders and swallowing difficulties.

Inpatient Services

Speech pathologists in the hospital assist people who have swallowing or communication difficulties, through assessment, therapy and advice.

The speech pathologists work closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team including nursing and medical staff, as well as patients’ families and friends to optimise patients’ communication and social participation. They also work closely with dietitions and Food Services staff to ensure that patients can swallow safely.

Patients who need to see a speech pathologist in hospital include those who have had a recent head injury, stroke, or surgery as well as people with pre-existing conditions such as MND. Speech pathologists provide assistance to parents of babies and young children with feeding difficulties, and are an early point of contact for children born with cleft lip and/or palate.

Outpatient Services

Outpatient Services include ongoing treatment following hospital discharge, particularly for rehabilitation following stroke. Speech pathology outpatient services are provided as part of multi-disciplinary clinics at RHH, through the Day Rehabilitation Unit in Davey St, and in community health centres and Integrated Care Centres. The service has strong links with the Community Rehabilitation Unit.

Most speech pathology services for 0-4 year olds are provided by St Giles http://www.stgiles.org.au/ or the Department of Education. However, the Speech Pathology Service can offer services for children with significant feeding difficulties on referral from a paediatrician, as well as for children with cleft lip and/or palate.

Eligibility

Referrals are accepted from GPS, other professionals or anyone concerned about the communication status of someone in their care.

There is no fee for this service.

How to contact us or make a booking

An appointment is required to visit a Speech Pathologist, please contact the Hospital in your region: